Australian Embassy
The Philippines

MR1511- New batch of AusAID Scholars to leave for Australia in 2007

NEW BATCH OF AUSAID SCHOLARS TO LEAVE FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2007


Deputy Head of Mission Pablo Kang (standing,
centre) with the new batch of Australian
government scholars during their pre-departure
briefing at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.

More than eighty Filipino professionals from different fields of expertise will leave for Australia in January 2007 to pursue post-graduate studies at Australian universities. The scholars are from various national government agencies, local government units, educational institutions and private sector.

Addressing the new scholars during the pre-departure briefing held recently in Davao City, Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Pablo Kang cited the scholars as key players in improving governance in their respective organisations. Mr Kang further added that they are valuable means of promoting development and fostering enduring linkages.

“Education and training play a very important role in strengthening ties between Australia and the Philippines. These scholarships will not only strengthen the cadre of Filipino leaders and professional that are advancing regional reform, development and governance, but more importantly increase our people-to-people links and building common perspectives and understanding,” Mr Kang said.

The awarding of a further eighty (80) new scholarships for university-level training in Australian forms part of the Philippines-Australia Development Cooperation Program. Managed by the Australia Agency for International Development (AusAID), the total program for 2006-2007 is valued at A$70 million.

The scholarship program, managed by AusAID’s Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF), was launched in 2004 and aims to strengthen the governance and management systems of key public and private institutions through the provision of technical assistance, long-term scholarships and customized short-term training in targeted institutions. It is Australia’s major program of assistance on capacity building and organisational development with an allocation of A$59.6million (Php2.24 billion).

A new element of the scholarship program is the Australian Leadership Awards, awarded to current and future leaders who play a role in social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia and Pacific region.

|The pre-departure briefing provided awardees with information on living and studying in Australia. The sessions will enable students to quickly settle into Australia, thereby enhancing their ability to successfully complete their studies.

For further information on Australian Government study opportunities log on to www.australianscholarships.gov.au.